Eddie Jordan was a businessman who founded Jordan Grand Prix, which helped launch seven-time Formula One champion Michael Schumacher’s career, and a television commentator for the BBC.
- Died: March 20, 2025 (Who else died on March 20?)
- Details of death: Died in Cape Town, South Africa of prostate cancer at the age of 76.
- We invite you to share condolences for Eddie Jordan in our Guest Book.
Eddie Jordan’s legacy
Jordan considered several career paths during his youth, including the priesthood and dentistry, but one thing kept calling to him: auto racing. Before he was a successful businessman, team owner, and commentator, Jordan was himself a racer, beginning with kart racing and then competing in several other tiers over the years.
In 1980, he began to transition from being behind the wheel to running a whole team when he founded Eddie Jordan Racing, followed a decade later by Jordan Grand Prix, a Formula One level constructor. In 1998, the team left its mark when its two drivers, Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher, took the top two spots at the Belgian Grand Prix, followed by Heinz-Harald Frentzen contending for the overall championship in 1999, finishing third.
Overall, Jordan’s team won four Grand Prix contests in 15 years, but financial problems forced him to sell in 2005. Jordan moved from the track to the television, serving as a commentator for BBC Sport and Britain’s Channel 4. He also wrote a column for F1 Racing magazine, and in 2016, became a presenter for “Top Gear.”
Jordan’s success wasn’t strictly related to auto racing, either. He was a director on the board of Oyster Yachts, a shareholder in Celtic Football Club, and a partner in hedge fund Clareville Capital. He owned the vodka brand Vodka V10 and the energy drink brand EJ-10, and he had interests in food lines, hotels, and more. Jordan was also co-owner of the London Irish rugby club. His autobiography, “An Independent Man,” was published in 2007.
He also supported charity, including CLIC Sargent, which supports children with cancer, and British youth charity the Amber Foundation. He was awarded the James Joyce Award from the Literary and Historical Society of University College Dublin for his work in elevating Irish motorsports, as well as the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage of the University Philosophical Society of Trinity College, Dublin. In 2012, he was made an honorary OBE (Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) for his contributions to racing and philanthropy.
On sports and arrogance:
“You can be very arrogant. There are so many people who think they are better than you. You have to believe that you are at least as good. To say that you are better is arrogance – and that’s what you have to tell yourself.” — interview with Hot Press, 2008
Tributes to Eddie Jordan
Full obituary: BBC
